Purpose/goal of the project

The overarching goal of this research is to gain further insight into the relationships between sources of environmental lead exposure, chronic lead exposure and the gut microbiota and how lead exposure is associated with colonization by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSRA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and fluoroquinolone-resistant Gram negative bacilli (FQRGNB).

Principal investigators

Nasia SafdarKristen MaleckiShannah Eggers

Description of the study/SHOW involvement in the project

This study uses a combination of SHOW survey data, biorepository sample analysis, and biospecimen analysis from the WARRIOR ancillary study. Lead exposure is analyzed from SHOW’s stored urine samples from WARRIOR participants. Sources of lead exposure from the built environment, dietary consumption, and other confounding factors will be assessed using SHOW’s survey data. Lastly, microbiome data and MDRO colonization outcomes come from analysis of WARRIOR’s stool samples.

Why the study is being done

Understanding these relationships in a real world setting will set a foundation for further examination of lead and other environmental exposures in relation to the gut microbiota and disease, and may lead to clinical and policy recommendations for preventing microbial dysbiosis and associated health outcomes, as well as antibiotic-resistant infections.